'There is no Star Wars without R2-D2,' Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy said

Kenny Baker, the performer known for bringing to life the droid R2-D2 in the "Star Wars" films, was found dead in his Preston, England, home over the weekend at the age of 81, prompting tributes from other key figures from a galaxy far, far away.

"Kenny Baker was a real gentleman as well as an incredible trooper who always worked hard under difficult circumstances,” "Star Wars" creator George Lucas said, according to an article on StarWars.com. “A talented vaudevillian who could always make everybody laugh, Kenny was truly the heart and soul of R2-D2 and will be missed by all his fans and everyone who knew him.”

Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy added: "There is no Star Wars without R2-D2, and Kenny defined who R2-D2 was and is. He will be greatly missed."

To play R2-D2, the 3-foot, 8-inch Baker would climb inside the dome-topped droid and operate its various movements, which, combined with a sound design that included signature beeps and squeaks, brought the character to life.

The character was introduced to movie audiences in 1977's original "Star Wars," now known as "A New Hope," when the little robot was tasked with bringing an important message from Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) to Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness). Baker shared much of his screen time with foil Anthony Daniels, who played the effete, gilded protocol droid C-3PO.